All things EARTH...

[laurspag]

Anita, it's been rain, rain, rain here. And heat. And humidity. I'm one of those oddball people who doesn't happen to have an air condition either. It's been awful! On Thursday, my husband mowed the lawn. We have had so much heat a precipitation, it needs to be mowed again.

 

I really shouldn't complain, we do not get hurricanes or wildfires or anything like that.

 

I wish your trip hadn't been so soggy though! We are looking for a few short type things to do. We are not to far from Watkins Glen or Ithaca, so we are thinking of a weekend trip. I wouldn't mind a day trip or two before that, since we are thinking the weekend trip would be around September. I am just very restless right now, and our next cruise isn't until May of 2014.

 

We live a short drive from Turning Stone Casino. I'm not a big gambler, but we do play a little slots here and there. I have suggested to my husband that we plan an overnight stay, since they have wonderful dining and a spa there. For whatever reason, he doesn't seem too interested. Bah, humbug! Really though, he is a great sport about everything, and I would prefer that he want to go as much as I do.

 

Enough of that. I was just checking out Sam Moon, and they have some wonderful scarves in earth colors. Sometimes, I like to create a bit of a "color block" outfit, where I have something on such as nice jeans, brown booties, a gold shirt, maybe an olive scarf....I have about 5 scarves saved to my wish list, but it won't be difficult to get them when I am ready, since they are only $6.00 or $7.00 each. I will narrow it down though to probably 3.

 

My daughter is back from her trip, and back to her job at Dressbarn. I still need a few pair of pants for work, since that bleach mishap that I had. I will have to see what they have.

 

Margaret, I know that NYC weather doesn't always match what we get here in Central New York. How is everything over there, weatherwise?

[Anita Latte]

Rain, rain, rain. I completely relate to this. I'm wondering if this is a weird summer in Atlanta? Or is this normal. I feel like I haven't seen the sun for DAYS...WEEKS, enough...it breaks through now and again, but the cloud cover is constant and the rain...if it isn't falling, then it's just a matter of time...

 

The heat hasn't really been hot. Maybe I'm just still accustomed to Houston, but when we were in Orlando...we felt like, yes, this is what Houston would be feeling like right now...Atlanta is much cooler.

 

The summer is half over and I am planning out the remainder of it. We are planning another overnight camping trip in two weeks. Two nights. I'm hoping that we won't have to deal with rain, BUT...we're going nonetheless. We loved the kayaking so much, we purchased some inexpensive inflatable kayaks. There's just no way for us to realistically transport regular kayaks, so the inflatables will allow us to enjoy the leisurely exploration of the lakes and some easy flowing rivers.

 

We went shopping over the weekend. The fact is that I have some serious clothing issues. LOL! I only survive with what I have because I don't have to have a career wardrobe. Anyway...I really needed pants, badly. I didn't find the perfect EARTH colors, BUT...I found what I think are great travel pants. They will work for all our outdoor activities, but also...in thinking of the new thread about the perfect travel outfit for a long plane ride...they would be great for travel.

 

Here is one pair:

 

http://www.rei.com/product/844704/lole-passage-pants-womens

 

They are stretch nylon! They are the most comfortable thing. They actually fit my curves very well. I've always known that I've got a bit of junk in the trunk (especially with some extra weight) and these pants accommodate in a great way. Some stretch pants get a bit of a shine? I think it's a function of the elastane (aka lycra) in the fabric, but these pants are matte, which I really like. They are as comfortable as yoga pants, but way more stylish IMO.

 

I also got these:

 

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13220139&lmdn=Brand&cp=4406646.4413874.12019863.19950056

 

These were an additional 50% off in the store. Unfortunately, the fatigue color wasn't in my size, so I got another pair of gray... These are a polyester stretch. They are a heavier weight, so should be warmer. Also, they have more pockets. There is a zippered cargo pocket in each leg that is very difficult to see in the photo unless you know it is there. Again, these are as comfortable as a yoga pant, but with enough features to make them more versatile.

 

In my lack of clothing...and wearing what I can...I have really come to accept the fact that I LOVE sporty clothing. Like LOVE it. I admire all the girly clothes...and can indulge that love in very limited situations (party dresses) but I WEAR fun, sporty clothing. ACCEPT is really the right word too...because I think I have harbored thoughts that sporty clothing is only appropriate in limited situations...and so I find myself ready to undertake the challenge of bringing the sport into other situations in a way that doesn't make me appear like I should be in the middle of the woods or sweating it out in a fitness class.

 

Speaking of...I ALSO picked up a pair of board shorts:

 

http://www.rei.com/product/843090/rei-aruba-shorts-womens

 

I'm going to use them kayaking! I have several exercise shirts that are perfect to go with them...all are some sort of quick drying fabric, so very appropriate.

 

Meanwhile...I'm growing out my hair a bit. I've had it with it in my face. As much as I was sick of my ponytail before...I'm sick of all this hair falling into my face...I keep pulling on it, testing the length for being able to pull it back and clasp it away from my face!! I'm debating when to go in to have it cleaned up a bit...going to play with some options and see if I can't make it work for a while yet so that there is more to work with. It's longer than when I went in before, but it got cut in a way that I wish it hadn't...and I have a concern that this would repeat if I go in too soon.

[aoknkentucky]

Rain, rain, rain. I completely relate to this. I'm wondering if this is a weird summer in Atlanta? Or is this normal. I feel like I haven't seen the sun for DAYS...WEEKS, enough...it breaks through now and again, but the cloud cover is constant and the rain...if it isn't falling, then it's just a matter of time...

 

The heat hasn't really been hot. Maybe I'm just still accustomed to Houston, but when we were in Orlando...we felt like, yes, this is what Houston would be feeling like right now...Atlanta is much cooler.

 

Anita, I just had to answer your post. I don't want you thinking this summer is typical. DH has family that lives in Cartersville, GA and we visited together at a family reunion over the 4th holiday. They talked about this. It has NOT been a typical summer for Atlanta. It hasn’t been a typical summer for Kentucky this year either. One day recently was a record LOW High for the date. I think they said it broke a record from the 1960s. The old record was 77 and the new record is now 71 because of how cool it was here. With the wildfires out west, I hate to complain about so much rain, but it rained more during June this year than our entire summer last year. Of course, last year was also a drought. It has been crazzzzzzy how cool and rainy this summer has been. We haven’t had any really hot weather at all. Maybe a day or two here and there, but then it clouds up, rains and cools off again. Yesterday, today and tomorrow my area is predicted to have what we normally think of as July and August weather.. You know, 90s with humidity so high that the heat index is 105-110s range. Yep. That’s the normal summer weather around here. Walking outside takes your breath away and you feel the need to gulp air and chew the humidity so you can sort the oxygen from the moisture that’s coming into your body. If you don’t have that this summer, consider yourself sooo fortunate. Can you tell? I hate sweaty summers! I’ve been told that ladies in the south perspire. For a fact—girls in Kentucky sweat. They sweat BIG time during July and August!

 

Laura, thanks for mentioning Sam Moon. I had forgotten. I’m off to look at scarf options they may have for us FIRE Ladies. --Debbie

[Anita Latte]

OMG...Debbie...the next time you come to Cartersville, let me know. We could have so easily met for coffee, or dessert, or a walk in the rain...;)

[MJC]

Well, in the last three weeks I've only been at my apartment for four days! I feel like there is just so much to catch up on in every part of my life. :eek:

 

Sometimes we travel for fun, and sometimes we travel because we must. So, first I went to Chicago (actually the boonies outside of Chicago) to see a childhood friend who has been very ill. Let me tell you, surgery of any kind should not be undertaken lightly -- she had post op complications and almost died. Very frightening. On the mend now, thankfully, but with a long road ahead.

 

I had one day home, then out to Michigan to take care of some family business. Not all work, but still it ain't vacation without my sweetie. Then one day home again, and out to NJ for a spontaneous long weekend at the lake for the 4th. Now THAT was fun.

 

So, here is the EARTH connection: I took the same rollaboard with the same stuff to all three places. I just washed everything when I got home and put it right back in the suitcase! The only thing I wish I'd had was wifi at my parents' house. A week without the Internet was a challenge!

 

Anita, excellent suggestions for wet weather days. This is actually really good advice for travel to the tropics and very hot places, too. There are those times when a cotton tshirt and shorts just aren't going to cut it, and specialty clothing can be a blessing.

 

Board shorts! I love board shorts. For me they are a must for jetskiing. You do not want your tush stuck to a blazing hot vinyl seat. The ones you posted are so cute!

 

Weather. Argh. We had the second wettest June on record -- we missed the record by 1/4 inch. July 1st it rained almost 2 inches, which would have put us over the record by a lot if it had come just a bit sooner. It was also a cool and cloudy month. Our weather has been off by about a month since March, which was cold like February. Even our plants are a month behind, with the mountain laurel just blooming now (usually first week of June).

 

Starting last week, it has been in the 90s every day. So hot, and our bodies didn't get the chance to work up to it at all. We might get back into the 80s for the weekend, which would be nice!

 

I've been following the discussion about travel clothes as well, and I always remember an interview with a stewardess from the flight that crashed in the midwest many, many years ago after the hydraulics went out. She said that her nylons melted into her skin and her feet were cut from being barefoot because she had to kick off her heels. That interview never left me. Every since I have always been careful about dressing comfortably but appropriately for flying. I am not a fearful flyer, but I always check the exits and never wear heels, simple things like that. I always figure that if anything happens I want the best chance possible to get out quickly and survive. I look nice when I travel but I never care about being stylish.

 

So, I was thinking about travel clothes when I bought this jacket back in March, along with the matching pants which have pockets like cargo pants but are cut very trim. And, ta da, it's in chocolate brown! This suit has gone with me on my four most recent flights, so I already feel like I've gotten a lot of mileage out of it (no pun intended). One of the things I like is that the full length sleeves can roll up and snap to be 3/4. So far I have worn them separately, but they look great together too.

 

BTW, this is NOT the color I got, and I did not pay this much either!

 

http://www.bonton.com/shop/brands/laura-ashley/laura-ashley-lemongrass-weekend-jacket_625578.html

[MJC]

I just got a catalog I've never heard of called NorthStyle. They have some nice EARTH colors.

 

I especially like this dress:

http://www.northstyle.com/itemdy00.aspx?T1=NB915%20MUL%20S&source=igodigital&pagetype=ProductR

 

and this top:

http://www.northstyle.com/itemdy00.aspx?T1=NB240%20GR%20S&ref=us&query=nb240

 

I've been in Manhattan a lot the last few days, and I'm enjoying watching how everyone dresses for the heat. Lots of cute dresses with sandals, and the sporty look that Anita likes. I feel bad for the men and women in suits! They look so uncomfortable.

[laurspag]

It's funny when we talk about traveling clothes.

 

For a car drive, I try not to wear things that feel bulky. However, with air conditioning and heat, I can always be comfortable temperature wise so I often wear jeans and a nice top. They don't wrinkle up.

 

With flying, the majority of my flights have been non stop from Syracuse to Orlando. It doesn't take long, so it doesn't require me to do anything special to be comfortable. Once again, I wear jeans or a pair of non wrinkling capris in warmer weather. I always have some sort of lightweight sweater, in case it gets cold. I admit that I think a lot about style, but I skip the jewelry and opt for a scarf instead. It's a hassle with metallic to get through screening!

 

I do have a very major pet peeve, and that is pajamas. I wear them to bed. I hate seeing them in public.

 

I'm not really a fan of athletic wear. I wear it when I exercise, but that is about it. If I see others wearing it, it doesn't bother me or anything though, as long as they look neat and clean. I think part of the reason I don't wear it outside of exercising as that it seems almost exclusively to be in ice colors. I don't buy black or white anymore. I've seen some great athletic outfits that are really pulled together, and look cute. Maybe I'd give them a go if the colors were right.

 

I am not required to wear a suit to work, but I wear a lot of suiting separates. I only have one suit, and it is navy so it doesn't get worn a lot. I buy jackets and wear them with coordinating dress pants, nice tops and jewelry, because that's my "thing", lol. With the heat lately, it gets so hard! I do have some nice, lighter weight sweaters and what not that I've been wearing. It's the lining of the jackets that do you in at this time of the year. I love the really well constructed jackets that don't have a lining.

 

This may sound silly, but I often think if you wore the exact same brown suit twice in one week, no one would notice. But, if you wear solid brown pants and an ivory jacket, people will know immediately if you wore the same jacket twice in one week. It makes it hard to stretch your wardrobe.

[MJC]

Laurie, the first time I saw a girl in pajamas I thought how bizarre. Then I realized it was a trend in the the small town in NJ where we keep our boat. I couldn't believe they would go out in public that way! It is not a fashion here. My friend explained that it came out of "spirit day" at their school: originally the girls who weren't cheerleaders would wear their school sweat pants, and that devolved to patterned sweat pants, and then to pjs. It makes me feel like my grandma, but I can't stand the pjs with the Uggs look. I mean, I wear sweats and flip flops to go downstairs to my laundry, or for a quick run to the grocery store across the street, but thats about it.

 

I know what you mean about suits vs. separates. DH wears a blue suit every day, and he has quite a few, but you would never know because they all look the same to me (he begs to differ). I am really concious of the fact that my students stare at me for an hour at a time, and they learn my whole wardobe -- "oh, she wore that red shirt last week" -- and they comment on things they like! It has really inspired me to try to wear all my clothes, and not just the few favorites that I always want to grab. I'm lucky that I really only need suits or jackets at the beginning of the semester when I interview folks. Like you, I'm big on accessories to change up a look.

 

As for travel clothes, whenever we travel internationally now I always pack an extra T, undies, and swimsuit in my carryon. When we went to Tahiti, they lost my husband's suitcase, and he was wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to travel in. At 6'3" and a XXL, there wasn't a single thing in the hotel gift shop that fit him. So, we walked to a nearby open air K-mart type store and got him flip flops, a Tshirt, and swim trunks. Those two outfits were all he had for three days until they found his bag in Bora Bora and flew it back! You just never know....

[MJC]

Since I'm not working, I decided a little bling was in order! Sally Hansen Sonic Bloom underneath, with SH Salon Manicure Copper Penny on top:

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Finally having a few moments to update and check in!

Oi! It's been quite a long time and never have a second to post...

 

BUT here are some pictures of Princess Chaos!

 

 

 

Just turned 3! She is an EARTH, so check out that natural warm golden auburn hair in the sunlight!

Note that it just looks dark brown, if she is inside or in the shade.

Another reason why I tell everyone that you must see skin and hair tone in natural sunlight!;)

 

And...

Drumroll....................................

 

We have Baby CJW Number 2 due in 6 weeks!

So stay tuned!

 

Another of the many reasons I've been so busy I haven't posted!

:D;):cool:

[Anita Latte]

Curt! I waited a whole day to respond so that (hopefully) EVERYONE can have had the thrill by now of seeing your name on the thread! Big cyber hugs and congratulations on the up and coming new addition to your family! Your daughter looks like a bundle of fun. I honestly can't believe she is going to be 3! :eek: Time does fly. OMG.

 

We head out tomorrow on our latest camping adventure. I'll try my best to take some photos of our luxe camping set up...but we are expecting RAIN...AGAIN :mad:...so we'll see how well the photos come out. I'm thinking about starting a camping related thread some where on here...I'll post a link if I do. There are only 3 weekends left in our summer vacay. :( But the school year will be a different one, with many more extended breaks throughout because of furlough days. I wonder, Margaret, since you teach, are you affected by furlough days this coming year?

 

I'm getting so much closer to being able to fit into my clothes again. I can button many things again but they still aren't wearable, so I've made some great strides since I resumed teaching Zumba in April/May.

 

I must admit...:o...I've left the house in pajamas!! LOL. I'm one of those horrible women that will drive her child to school and pray that I have no reason to get out of the car. LOL. I've even gone through a Starbucks drive through in my pajamas! Mom knows! I think she came with me once. Or twice. And I'm pretty sure she grabbed a coat to wear over her pajamas too. LOL!! It's not something that I want to actually be SEEN doing though...

 

DS doesn't want to either. It's very funny. We all own a classification of clothing that we call "lounge clothes." This is what DH changes into 9X/10 when he gets home from work. This is what DS wears 10X/10 when he wakes up in the morning during the summer and weekends. BUT...DS won't leave the house in his lounge clothes. Which I think is kind of funny because they are just super casual street clothes (fleece pants, sweat pants, etc.).

 

I no longer own a suit. Haven't owned one in years. Only ever owned one in my life. It was a blue/gray color. LOVED it. I think I think it looked so good on me because it was a muted color. I had pants, a long skirt, a button-less jacket, and a silk short-sleeved shell that matched. I could dress in a total monochromatic scheme that really made the different color very sophisticated. It was my "interviewing suit." I rarely had to wear it when I worked though...

 

I'm in a bit of a quandary when it comes to travel clothes. A long time ago...I received the information of recommendations for what to wear on a plane. It was emergency related info. Closed toes shoes, preferably flats so that you can easily slide down a blow up slide and maneuver through what may be rough terrain/debris. Pants, in a natural fabric, so that your legs are protected and the fabric you wear will not melt and may resist fire better. Layers on top in natural fabrics (same reasons) so that you can adjust to the changing temperatures of high altitude flying. It's the natural fabric that I have problems with...because most travel clothes these days seem to be of man-made fabrics.

 

I have tried to be big on accessories to change up my looks...but I find that they get in the way of my daily activities. I guess I really do spend a lot of time dealing with household things and projects. I don't even wear my wedding ring 90% of the time. I like the theory of bracelets better than a statement necklace, but they get in the way... And I have come to realize that I absolutely HATE anything that is too chunky hanging around my neck. UGH. Scarves are fun, but only when I leave the house...not around the house. And they still make me feel a little too dressy for everyday wear... I rarely carry a hang bag...I'm a pocket girl. I do like totes though...especially for expedition shopping when I may be carrying something I want to match...or need to carry water. So this leaves me with earrings...which I do adore...but I find that I prefer a smaller earring because a heavier earring irritates my ears...and there's something about larger earrings...they seem so retro to me, maybe because I used to wear HUGE earrings when I was younger.

 

I get into shoes, I guess... I do like an odd shoe. But I won't wear the odd shoe unless it's comfortable. I won't put up with ANY discomfort...LOL. I did finally let go of many of my "fun" shoes that I thought I might wear "out" but didn't due to comfort issues.

 

This is the life though...of someone that doesn't work outside the house. And doesn't have many social commitments either. I was filling out the new calendar yesterday though (we do the Academic Year calendars) and I noted many days where I'll need to go to the school for one reason or another, so I'm hoping that I can fit back into my britches this fall so that I have some more clothing options.

Edited July 18, 2013 by Anita Latte

[laurspag]

Curt, what wonderful news! Time flies, I can't believe your daughter is already 3 years old. I wish you a happy and safe delivery, and please let us know when the baby arrives!

 

We've been working hard keeping color in the forefront of our minds, as you can see. As a matter of fact, my black shoes have finally gotten to the point where they need replacing, but I'm not doing it. I kept them as an excuse because I have nice fitting black pants that I still wear from time to time. Yesterday, the button fell off of them. (I know, I know, I can sew it back on....but they are an old pair that I was able to fit back into last year, but have had a very long time)

 

Anita, when I am at home cleaning, I will wear something like shorts or jeans. The tops will be knit, but not t-shirts. I will de-bling to clean, lol. But, if I just leave the house Saturday morning and I'm running a few errands, I try to take it a step up.

 

Isn't it funny how different we can all be? We all have a lot of respect for one another though - our differences is what makes us interesting.

 

By the way, my daughters will not leave the house in yoga pants or sweats, and they can be very casual while in the house. How funny.

 

Another thing about travel clothes...if you are flying, I like my shoes and accessories to be easy off an on. I always manage to set off the scanner anyway. My husband says I light up like a Christmas tree. :D If I wear a scarf (great for a chilly plane) I don't do anything fussy with it, just a soft drape. Shoes are best if they are slip on, with no ties or buckles.

[NHGirl1968]

Hi MJC - I found an old post that you went to the Galapagos with Lindblad on the Islander, but was unable to find you review. My husband and I are going in November. I just read a post from someone who didn't have a lot of good to say which is worrying me. Went to Alaska w/them in 2007 and absolutely loved it. Can you point me to your review? Thanks!

[MJC]

Hi NHGirl, here is the link. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. The Islander is in no way a luxury vessel but is perfect for an adventure cruise of the type we had in the G. It's very basic and very cozy, i.e. small. The food was fresh and delicious, although you won't find the variety and all-you-can-eat buffet type dining you'd find on a conventional cruise. I think people's expectations have a lot to do with their satisfaction level. We are small ship cruisers in general, though this was the smallest we have taken so far.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1579998

[Anita Latte]

We're back from our camping weekend. It was so beautiful. The temperature on my car read 96 while we were still in the Atlanta metro area...and it read 76 by the time we arrived at our destination!

 

We went to Black Rock Mountain State Park. Fortunately, the rain was minimal. It was more like the sky dripped a bit than actual rain. I'm exploring different options for sharing some photos and camping ideas. Meanwhile...I'll just share these two photos:

 

This is where we were:

 

 

And this is the view, which is supposed to include Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas:

 

 

I'll figure out how to share more somewhere else and keep everyone posted!

 

Meanwhile...I'm very excited to announce ANOTHER Disney weekend! LOL! We've been twice this year and visited 3 of the 4 major theme parks. I was really disappointed that we hadn't made it to the last one, but was going to let it go, BUT...Disney is implementing changes that is making it much less attractive to our family to go and so I began researching how to go for just another weekend trip. We have one major theme park admission left on our non-expiring tickets... I found an amazing deal. We're going on Labor Day weekend for 2 nights. So one last Disney trip and then we will be putting Disney back on the back burner while we explore other vacations...

 

This begins the big push to REALLY get comfortably back into my clothes for this trip. I have a major goal now with Labor Day.

 

For air travel...I like easy on and off shoes too, but it would all depend on the shoes that I need to take. I might have to wear "big" shoes if I'm trying to travel light. Meanwhile...I almost always have to deal with buckles or straps because I own so few slip on and off shoes. As much as I like the look of ballerina flats, they are so uncomfortable for my foot. My feet are a big duck shaped? Wider in the toe box and a pretty narrow heel; those flats just don't work...

[laurspag]

Anita, your camping trip sounds like it went really well! And you get to go to Disney again! Not only is the part of getting away from it all nice, but the process leading up to it is great. I love to plan things out and anticipate.

 

We are working on planning a little weekend getaway for the fall, but we aren't doing all that great with picking a place and commiting to it. We've been to Lake Placid around 3 times before, and absolutely loved it. My husband would like to try something different this time. We are thinking Ithaca, as it has nice shops and restaurants, plus the Gorge and the Cornell campus gardens to see. I really don't think there will be nearly as many options for things to do, but it should be a nice R&R type weekend.

 

I'd love to use my airline points and go to NYC! But, that can be a bit pricey. Considering how expensive some other areas have been when we've researched, it may not really be that bad.

 

I've been thinking about Curt's good news a lot over the weekend. My "babies" are 21 and 25. That explains why I got a dog! I need someone to take care of!

[MJC]

Laurie, the price of hotels here is astonishing and I am always surprised at how many tourists are here and how they can afford it. Bless them though for coming and spending their money here because our economy is really bouncing back.

 

It's been hot as can be. Friday the thermometer in my car was reading 100. They measure the temp here in the middle of Central Park, so it's always less than what it actually is to the man on the street. In honor of our heat wave, here are some cool summer hairdos:

 

 

I've been living in a french braid to a side pony, neat and cool.

 

I'm jealous that Anita gets to go to Disney again. I want a vacation! My suitcase is getting lonely.

[Anita Latte]

Everyone...

 

I've started a new thread over in the Floataway lounge. I'm reporting on our recent camping adventure over there. I thought it could be a good place for us to have our non-fashion discussions so that the Earth and Fire threads stay on topic.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=39258188&posted=1#post39258188

[Member123]

Everyone...

 

I've started a new thread over in the Floataway lounge. I'm reporting on our recent camping adventure over there. I thought it could be a good place for us to have our non-fashion discussions so that the Earth and Fire threads stay on topic.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=39258188&posted=1#post39258188

 

Hmmm, that lounge is a snarky place to be! I don't know if I like that particular party. It seems like some real weird energy hangs out over there. Did you invite Debbie to go see your sweet setup?

[Anita Latte]

Hmmm, that lounge is a snarky place to be! I don't know if I like that particular party. It seems like some real weird energy hangs out over there. Did you invite Debbie to go see your sweet setup?

I didn't post on the Fire thread because it feels like everyone that reads the Fire thread also reads the Earth thread? I know Curt posted on both...but I wasn't sure I needed to.

[MJC]

I haven't visited The Vivienne Files in a while, but I was just checking out her July 15 post on brown and black: very nice. That brown coat in particular is delicious, and almost makes me long for autumn. I usually use my leopard print scarf to tie those colors together, but I like her subtler choices.

 

I've been taking my goddaughter on college visits. OMG how exhausting. On this rainy Sunday we're going to see the Met Costume Institute exhibit called Punk: Chaos to Couture. Very ICE, I'm sure!

[NHGirl1968]

Thank you very much!! As I said before, we went w/Linblad to Alaska in 2007 so we know what to expect in terms of the ship and food, etc. I'd love to see your pictures!!

[Anita Latte]

Hello Ladies!

 

I put in a request for us to have our very own forum over on the Friends board. We all have been talking about color and fashion for so very long that we actually have a bit more to talk about than color and fashion...and I wanted us to be able to have these "off topic" conversations.

 

I wanted the name of the new forum to be relevant to us and I had a hard time coming up with a good name. I finally decided that "Pictodiary" was OUR word and that it was general enough to apply to many different conversations. Here is the link to our new forum:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=885

 

Margaret, I also would love to see pictures of that trip! Please feel free to start a new thread over in that forum and post some photos!

 

I don't want everyone to necessarily think of this as MY forum...I want it to be OURS. I am planning on starting a new thread specifically for discussing camping and will probably repost the posts from the thread I started in the Lounge. I think Mom mentioned that it would be fun to start a recipes thread? So maybe she can get that one started...

 

Looking forward to more conversations with everyone. I hope everyone has been having a great summer!

[MJC]

Thanks Anita for starting the new thread. I went over and posted the photos from our Lindblad trip.

 

It will be nice to have an area where all of us EARTH and FIRE ladies can chat. I lurk on the FIRE board and sometimes I want to chime in, but I don't want to hijack the thread. It will be nice to share all our travels, photos, and thoughts that are not directly fashion related.

 

I got an awesome silk (?) chiffon scarf for $10 today in Chinatown. It is off white with pale turquoise and brown, perfect for fall and back-to-school. Fortunately I don't start until Sept. 12!

[Member123]

Thanks Anita for starting the new thread. I went over and posted the photos from our Lindblad trip.

 

It will be nice to have an area where all of us EARTH and FIRE ladies can chat. I lurk on the FIRE board and sometimes I want to chime in, but I don't want to hijack the thread. It will be nice to share all our travels, photos, and thoughts that are not directly fashion related.

 

I got an awesome silk (?) chiffon scarf for $10 today in Chinatown. It is off white with pale turquoise and brown, perfect for fall and back-to-school. Fortunately I don't start until Sept. 12!

 

First of all, you are welcome to post on the FIRE thread! Oh em Gee! You certainly didn't need a formal invitation! We talk about all sorts of things over there, and we've been really lonely lately!

 

Secondly, Margaret... you managed to post your pictures in the Floataway Lounge area. That's a pretty "interesting" area of this message board. Anita got a snarky comment on that particular post. She didn't really want to start a thread there but she became impatient waiting for the moderators to get a section started in the forum entitled FRIENDS OF CRUISE CRITIC. That's an interesting forum because it's like having a semi-private (by invitation only) type of party. Unlike other forums within cruise critic, you can only see that particular forum if you are a member of cruise critic (so hopefully we wouldn't be able to be searched and indexed by search engines on any posts at that location... or, if we were searched, then the person clicking on any link would be redirected to a sign-in page... not that that's any guarantee of privacy, but it's a little something, something).

 

Anyway, get to FRIENDS OF CRUISE CRITIC, and go to the listing that is almost at the end of that big list. I should have written down the whole name, but I know that it contains the word Pictodiary. Let me see if I can go over there and check it out real quick....ok, it's called Make Mine a Pictodiary. That is where we can have really good conversation about topics other than color & fashion, if we want to. It's a way of keeping us on topic in our threads here... and conform to the Fashion Forum topics of conversation.

 

I'm posting because Anita is having her last 3-day weekend before the start of school and is trying to stay off the computer this weekend. I just wanted to get the information about our forum on here! That area is pretty awesome because you can start various threads within it... right now Anita has started a thread about a Meet & Greet that the FIRE ladies are talking about. OH! We're trying to get together a trip / camping weekend for next summer! Come over and talk with us! And it would be a great area to talk about all of our vacation plans. Holiday parties... etc.